Spinalonga
Spinalonga is a Greek island near the island of Crete, formerly known by the Greek name of Kalydon. There are several versions of the origin of the island's name. According to one of them, the name translates as "Long thorn", according to the other, the distorted name is "Steen Olunda", due to the fact that the Venetians had difficulty pronouncing it.
The island was once connected to the rest of the land. According to research by scientists, part of the land sank after the earthquake. But according to data obtained from cartographer Vincenzo Coronelli, in 1526 the Venetians divided the Spinalonga peninsula. This was done to strengthen the protection of the Kolokif Peninsula from robberies by pirates. In 1579, a defensive fortress was built on the site of the ancient city, protecting Spinalonga Bay and Mirabello Bay. And the fort built on the hill made the fortress inaccessible to the enemies. A century later, the fortress was tested in practice. In 1669, the Turks captured the island of Crete, but the Venetians held out in Spinalonga for another 36 years and then voluntarily surrendered in 1715. The local population found refuge here for themselves, having escaped from the forced adoption of Islam.
After almost a couple of centuries, Greece gained independence and in order to expel the Turks from Crete, they sent lepers from all over the country to Spinalonga. The Turks, fearing leprosy, left Crete. A hospital for patients with leprosy (leprosy) existed from 1903 to 1557.
Today, Spinalonga has been recognized as an archaeological monument and is visited by up to 300,000 people annually, making the island one of the five most visited places in Greece. Traces of the history of the Greeks, Venetians, Saracens, and Turks have gathered in one place. Lefka Ori National Park can only boast of such a rich history and popularity in Crete.
The island can be reached by boat from Elounda, Plaka. Boats depart hourly from the port of Elounda in summer, and it takes about half an hour to reach the island. In addition to visiting the island, the program usually includes a trip around the Kolokifa Peninsula.
